Dreaming of an Awesome Home Office?

Posted by Faith and Hope on
 March 9, 2020
  · No Comments
Building with Hope and Faith

Dreaming of an Awesome Home Office?

are you dreaming of a home office

One of our clients clients shared their dream of having a beautiful and productive home office.  For now, we’ll just give you a peek at the outside!

Stay tuned for all the photos and details on an upcoming Project Showcase email campaign.

Make sure you subscribe to our YouTube Channel,Subscribe to Zimmerman Architect's YouTube Channel
so that you don’t miss one of our upcoming Project Prep Episodes!

 

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Your surroundings can totally affect your life,
your spirit, your emotional well being!

 

Do you have transformational dreams for your house and
simply can’t “see it happening?”
Click below to get started.

I would love to talk!

 

Categories : Interior Renovations, Renovations, Working with Zimmerman Architects

The Home Rejuvenation Principle

Posted by Faith and Hope on
 January 27, 2020
  · No Comments
Building with Hope and Faith

The Home Rejuvenation Principle

We were delighted to deliver a new and informative presentation
at the Denville Library on Thursday, February 6.

Faith and Hope Zimmerman

The Surprising Secrets of Renovating Your House to
Completely Transform the Way You Feel Every Day

Your surroundings totally affect
your life, your spirit, your
emotional well-being.

Is your house recharging you or draining you?

Join us at the Denville library on February 6th when we show you how small or significant changes to
your home can make you feel rejuvenated every day.

We’ll show you how your home can:

  • Have negative energy or nourish you
  • Change your mood
  • Facilitate more social interactions and a better family dynamic
  • Be a sanctuary to come home to
Dream It | Imagine It | Live It

Make sure you subscribe to our YouTube Channel,Subscribe to Zimmerman Architect's YouTube Channel so that you don't miss one of our upcoming Project Prep Episodes!

Your surroundings can totally affect your life,
your spirit, your emotional well being!

Do you have transformational dreams for your house and
simply can’t “see it happening?”
Click below to get started.

I would love to talk!


If a friend forwarded this to you, this does not mean that we have added you to our list.
However, if you would like to receive our updates, click below.

Categories : Renovations, Working with Zimmerman Architects

Can I Live There During Construction?

Posted by Faith and Hope on
 December 13, 2019
  · No Comments
Building with Hope and Faith

Planning a Renovation? Here’s The #1 Question We Answer

You’re finally going to do it! You’re excited about your renovation project, but you know that your house will be topsy turvy for a bit. The question we answer most often is, “During construction, should I plan on living in my house or moving out until it’s done?”

Watch our video to find out how other clients have managed this question and their unique situations. Spoiler Alert: it involves a gym membership and a goose!

Watch
Project Prep Episode #6

 

Make sure you subscribe to our YouTube Channel,Subscribe to Zimmerman Architect's YouTube Channel
so that you don’t miss one of our upcoming Project Prep Episodes!

 

If a friend forwarded this to you, this does not mean that we have added you to our list.
However, if you would like to receive our updates, click below.


Your surroundings can totally affect your life,
your spirit, your emotional well being!

 

Do you have transformational dreams for your house and
simply can’t “see it happening?”
Click below to get started.

I would love to talk!

Categories : Interior Renovations, Videos, Working with Zimmerman Architects

Making Your Home Ready for The Future

Posted by Faith and Hope on
 December 2, 2019
  · No Comments
Building with Hope and Faith

Making Your Home Ready for The Future

You may have heard the phrase, “aging in place”. Doesn’t sound very glamorous, but a recent article in AARP Magazine (August/September 2019) stated that “nearly 80% of older adults want to continue living in their home for as long as possible.”

Makes sense to us! But if you’re at all concerned about whether your house is able to fit your changing needs as you age, we are re-sharing some tips and inspiration on how we can work together to make it happen for you. Originally we covered this topic 3 years ago, and it has since gotten more popular so we felt it was important to remind you of the possibilities.

Officially, it’s called Universal Residential Design – using specific design principles to ensure your home accommodates everyone – today and tomorrow.

A Safe and Beautiful Bathroom

Having a bathroom which incorporates Universal Design elements does NOT mean it will look institutional. A gorgeous spa-like shower can be designed and installed in your home so that someone using a walker, crutches or a wheelchair can step or roll right in and use it with comfort while feeling safe.

It will be as stunning, modern, fresh and elegant as you wish, and isn’t it comforting to know that you not only have a lovely bathroom, it also makes everyone feel safe?

To prepare your bathroom, plan to use plywood wall sheathing underneath your tiles so grab bars can be easily installed in the future. Anyone who has had to use or care for someone with mobility challenges will appreciate a bathroom designed with a wide door and plenty of maneuvering space, especially around the toilet.

A Comfortable Kitchen is a Happy Kitchen

Crate a kitchen that is comfortable and easy to work in

In a Universal Residential Designed kitchen, your family will have the advantage of varying height counters which accommodate everyone.

When the whole family enjoys cooking together, the choice of counter and table heights makes a big difference – kids and adults, short and tall family members can all find a comfortable work station. Baking, kneading, stirring and filling large pots – six inches up or down will make a huge impact on your comfort AND safety.

There are chairs of varying heights to help you work at any counter or relax at any table. Choose a standard chair for a typical 30″ height table, a counter height one for the typical 36″ high counter or a bar height one for the 42″ height raised counter. Or you can comfortably work while standing.

Staying Mobile In a Two-Story Home

Add an elevator in a spare closet to enhance mobilityGoing Up?

Consider installing an elevator or planning for one to be installed at a later date. A closet today can be an elevator tomorrow!

The elevator chase is that space where the elevator would go up and down. If you don’t want to install an elevator now, the chase can simply be used as extra closet space for now. With advanced planning, it’s relatively easy to pop in the new elevator without extensive remodeling.

Need More Feet!

Make stairways wider to facilitate accessibilityWhether or not an elevator is in your future, make sure your stairs are designed with a “what if” in mind. A foot can make a big difference – especially when you can’t make it up or down with both feet!

Design your stairs at 4 feet wide instead of 3 feet. This gives you room to install a temporary chair lift that runs up the stairs. You can have it removed when you no longer need it.

And place a railing on both sides to accommodate a possibility of having to use crutches or something similar. Here’s a photo of Hope, years ago, carrying her crutches in one hand while using the other on the rail on the opposite side, after she broke her leg. With two hand rails, she had the option of using one side to go up and the other to go back down.

Your surroundings can totally affect your life,
your spirit, your emotional well being!

Do you have transformational dreams for your house and
simply can’t “see it happening?”
Click below to get started.

I would love to talk!

If a friend forwarded this to you, this does not mean that we have added you to our list.
However, if you would like to receive our updates, click below.

Categories : Interior Renovations, Residential Design, Universal Design

When It’s Time To Ask For a Design Consultation

Posted by Faith and Hope on
 November 14, 2019
  · No Comments
Building with Hope and Faith

When It’s Time To Ask For a Design Consultation

New covered porch enhances outdoor living
We’re often asked how to get started in any kind of construction or renovation project, so we wanted to describe WHY you would want a design consultation, how it works and what you’ll get out of it.

Are you a candidate for a Design Consultation? Here’s how to tell:

  • Are there certain features in your house that you don’t like, but are resigned to the fact that it’s “just the way this house is”?
  • Are you planning on a large construction project in the future, and are adding a list of small changes that are going to get done along with the larger project?
  • Are you planning a kitchen project, but wish you could discuss possibilities for what could also get done in the basement or master bath?
  • Does your family’s living space allow for connections from the kitchen to adjacent spaces so you don’t feel isolated while cooking?
  • Is your house configured for ease of entertaining or family gatherings you would like to have?
  • Do you wish you had more natural light or a better view to nature, or your yard?
  • Do you know your house doesn’t feel right, wish it could change, but don’t know how it should be different?

Messina exterior

Here’s How It Works and What To Expect

If you said yes to any of these questions, you may indeed be ready for a Design Consultation, which, not surprisingly, takes place at the project site (in your home). We walk through and around the house with you and look at what you love, what you hate, and all the possibilities.

We ask tons of questions, and often questions you have never even considered. We discuss and weigh the merits of various possible design solutions. And we ask more questions. We LISTEN! Your ideas are tossed around with our ideas. We offer our knowledge and our expertise and possibly alternate options.

The Design Consultation could lead to a master plan for projects to be done over time, or it could lead to a small project to hold you over, or it could lead to that amazing full transformation of your house that you have been dreaming of for years.

It all boils down to this one BIG question: Are you ready to LOVE your home?

This is what we do – we make you fall in love with your home as if you’re seeing it for the first time; because in a sense, you are. It may not be the house you purchased, but it will be the house you’ll love coming home to, each and every day.

Your surroundings can totally affect your life,
your spirit, your emotional well being!

Do you have transformational dreams for your house and
simply can’t “see it happening?”
Click below to get started.

I would love to talk!

If a friend forwarded this to you, this does not mean that we have added you to our list.
However, if you would like to receive our updates, click below.

Categories : Design Accuracy, Exterior Improvements, Pergolas, Renovations, Residential Design

Are Design TV Shows Close to Reality?

Posted by Faith and Hope on
 October 14, 2019
  · No Comments
Building with Hope and Faith

Are Design TV Shows Close to Reality?

Everyone has their favorite design TV shows. It’s fun to watch the grand make-overs. While the clients seem to get a dramatic improvement on their living environment, not everything is what it seems.

We love how these shows inspire you to what’s possible, but we worry that you are being led astray by misinformation. So, here are some Design TV “Myths” that we are going to dramatically reveal for you now! Let’s pull back that curtain!

We dont make you move out while renovating

Do You Stay Or Do You Go?

On TV Shows

In Reality
The family must move out of their home because the final design is a dramatic (and tear-filled) reveal. The homeowner has little to no idea what the design will be like, right down to the color of the paint or type of flooring! Will that wall be there when you move back in? Can you imagine how nerve wracking it must be not to be able to live at home or have no idea what it’s going to look like? We don’t make you move out of your home (but sometimes you’ll want to). And you’ll be pleased to know that you won’t stay “in the dark” about what the design will be. We involve you every step of the way. We want to hear about what you like and need and want. We show you our ideas and design before construction begins. We’re very accessible throughout the whole project for any question or concern you may have.

Whose Design Is It?

You get the design YOU choose

On TV Shows

In Reality
The design is THEIR design, their ideas. Which means you get what you get, and it’s usually

a) whatever happens to be in style right now; and

b) a cookie cutter template of the design they do on lots of homes.

Let’s face it, they feature their own style and typically must use their sponsors’ products.

We’ve seen shows where they purposely ignored the requests of the client because it wasn’t the latest style!

 Because we work very closely with you during our design consultation, we’ve taken a walk through your home, and we’ve asked a ton of questions, we seek to have a clear understanding of the way your family wants to use the spaces in the house.

The resulting design is a gorgeous mix of your desires and our expertise. Together, we make a unique recipe for the design of your home renovation or construction.

Since we don’t even bake cookies, our projects are not designed with cookie cutters either!

How Long Will The New Features Last?

On TV Shows

In Reality
Every shelf, every cupboard, every door, every window, down to the last candle and picture frame is there for show. Typically some of the features are only temporarily placed in the client’s home. Once the episode is completed, quite a few items are likely removed (and used in other projects) and the clients’ real stuff comes back.

Also, very often the work is done hastily to meet the show’s deadline. Some items must fall apart because the proper procedures weren’t followed. It’s meant for TV, for entertainment. Not forever!

 Every shelf, every cupboard, every door, every window is the real deal. Every nail and screw is tightly in place and is meant to stay there for decades to come (or until you want a change).

When we design your new doors or new wall or nook, the construction crew will take as long as they need to ensure the home is safe, and you’re happy, for years to come.

It’s meant for you, your family, your guests, for years and for decades, NOT for show!

We hope those shows INSPIRE you and show you the POSSIBILITIES. But if you want real design customized for you and your family, come to us, and we’ll make it happen for YOU, not a TV audience!

 

Your surroundings can totally affect your life,
your spirit, your emotional well being!

Do you have transformational dreams for your house and
simply can’t “see it happening?”
Click below to get started.

I would love to talk!

 

If a friend forwarded this to you, this does not mean that we have added you to our list.
However, if you would like to receive our updates, click below.

Categories : Design Accuracy, Working with Zimmerman Architects

Dull to Dynamite – The Rear of Your House Can be as Exciting as the Front

Posted by Faith and Hope on
 July 1, 2019
  · No Comments
Building with Hope and Faith

Dull to Dynamite
The Rear of Your House Can Be As Exciting as the Front

a deck and screened-in porch add excitement to rear of houseIn our last Project Story, you came along with us on our tour of The Craftsman house, where we transformed the front of the home from bland to beautiful. If you missed it, you can catch up here.

In Part 2 of this story, we’re showing you how we transformed the rear of the home from dull to dynamite, giving the home owners a great deal more enjoyment of the back of their lovely property.

See below – quite the change, isn’t it?

back view before addition of porch and patio  a deck and screened porch add excitement and usage of back yard

The house is located on a good-sized property, with a spacious, private back yard. The home owners liked to garden, but overall, had no place to simply sit and enjoy their back yard. There was no deck, no patio.

A blank canvas! That works for us, and we set about designing 3 distinct areas for their enjoyment. Each of these spaces has a unique function and a different feel.

First is their new screened-in porch. This new space enables them to enjoy the outdoors – yet fully protected from the elements. It boasts a roof and interchangeable screen-to-storm windows to allow them to unwind in their new favorite spot most of the year.

Oh, did we mention it has a hot tub, too? A great place to de-stress!

covered, screened-in porch provides comfort provides comfort and protection from the weather  a hot tub is an added bonus

Next, is an open deck – no roof or walls to obstruct their view of nature, their garden, and the back yard. So peaceful! (And a great place to enjoy the sunshine.)

screened-in porch, deck and pergola

And their unique “bonus” area – the pergola. This small but special space on the deck gave them built-in seating. With some covering overhead, it provides both shade and privacy from neighbors. It’s a more intimate outdoor place to hang out.

new pergola adds shade and privacy  enhanced view of back yard from pergola

And Inside…

Craftsman-style details enhance the inside of the home

While the most dramatic transformations happened to the exterior of the structure, we didn’t forget to match the inside.

Continuing the Craftsman style, we designed some simple renovations to the inside of the house. While we didn’t rearrange any of the interior space, we did add craftsman style detailing.

Love Your Neighborhood, Hate Your House?

Many of our clients have lived in their home for years. It enabled them to see what was working and what they had issues with. While loving their area or neighborhood, they identified something about the house that “just had to go”. If you don’t love the way your house is working for you and your family at this time, does that mean you have to pick up and move?

Our clients will tell you that by staying put and having us design the dream home they can love again, they are now appreciating coming home every day to their newly transformed house.

Considering moving because you can’t envision a “fix” for your house issue? Call us first! We have designed creative solutions to all kinds of challenges, so give us the opportunity to make you fall in love with your house all over again.

Your surroundings can totally affect your life,
your spirit, your emotional well being!

Do you have transformational dreams for your house and
simply can’t “see it happening?”
Click below to get started.

I would love to talk!

 

If a friend forwarded this to you, this does not mean that we have added you to our list.
However, if you would like to receive our updates, click below.

 

Categories : Exterior Improvements, Interior Renovations, Renovations, Residential Design

Renovations and New Home Design For ALL Family Members

Posted by Faith and Hope on
 May 27, 2019
  · No Comments
Building with Hope and Faith

Renovations and New Home Design For ALL Family Members

You love your pets, and sometimes can’t figure out how to keep their “stuff” in a place that works for them – and doesn’t disrupt the enjoyment and safety of your home, you have to watch our video!

If your feet have been crunching on litter scattered on the floor, or knocked into the bowl of water once too often, we’ve got your back! We have helped plenty of happy families with their furry family members enjoy a better, more thoughtfully designed home – for all!

How do we do it? Watch
Project Prep Episode #5

 

Make sure you subscribe to our YouTube Channel,Subscribe to Zimmerman Architect's YouTube Channel
so that you don’t miss one of our upcoming Project Prep Episodes!

 

If a friend forwarded this to you, this does not mean that we have added you to our list.
However, if you would like to receive our updates, click below.


Your surroundings can totally affect your life,
your spirit, your emotional well being!

 

Do you have transformational dreams for your house and
simply can’t “see it happening?”
Click below to get started.

I would love to talk!

Categories : Interior Renovations, Renovations, Residential Design, Videos

Boring Style? Change It To One You Love To Come Home To

Posted by Faith and Hope on
 April 26, 2019
  · No Comments
Building with Hope and Faith

Boring Style?
Change It To One You Love To Come Home To

modify the styling of your house to enhance appealMore than loving the reaction our clients have to our newly finished projects, we are honored and grateful to be able to see them still thrilled with their “new” house after several years.

Fourteen years ago we were engaged by a family who owned a simple, plain ranch-style home. It was ok but they weren’t loving the look of it.

Did you know that you can totally change the style of your home from its original design? Something we remind people about, all the time.

In this story, our clients always wanted a Craftsman style home. Yet here they were, living in a bland ranch. Problem? Not for us!

Curb appeal doesn’t always mean “prettying” up the outside of your home just because you’re getting ready to sell it. It means making it wonderful for YOU so that when you drive home every day you admire the beauty that is your very own house. And of course, so that your visitors and neighbors can also admire your attractive home.

exterior before improvements  exterior after improvements were made

So here’s the funny part – we had been planning on sharing this project with you for a while now, but other projects got pushed to the forefront.

While taking our afternoon walk the other day, a car slowed down next to us, a woman popped her head out the window and yelled, “you did a project for us 14 years ago and we still LOVE our house!” And we chatted in the street about living in a house that truly suits them and fills them with joy. We guess it was the universe telling us it was time to showcase and share this project with you today!

Added outdoor interest with a deck and pergolaIn addition to the happiness they experience every time they pull up to the front of their Craftsman house, they told us they use their new screened porch and their deck with accompanying pergola all the time.

Don’t worry, we’ll show you more photos of the back of their house at a later date. And while we added some craftsman details to the interior of the house, the family’s goal was to change the exterior from plain ranch to Craftsman, a style they’ve always admired.

When working with new clients, we always ask, “what’s your goal?” and in this case, they simply wanted to fall in love with the look of the house, to live in a Craftsman house, and to enhance the curb appeal for their own personal enjoyment for years to come.

And 14 years later, they still do. We took a look at it recently and while the landscaping has matured, the beauty of the house still shines through and warms their hearts every day.

Wouldn’t you love experiencing that same reaction pulling into your home every day? If it’s not happening today, and you feel “stuck” with a style of house you don’t like or that doesn’t work for you, reach out to us. We are willing to bet we can get you and your family “unstuck” and loving the look of your home for now and for years to come.

Your surroundings can totally affect your life,
your spirit, your emotional well being!

Do you have transformational dreams for your house and
simply can’t “see it happening?”
Click below to get started.

I would love to talk!

 

If a friend forwarded this to you, this does not mean that we have added you to our list.
However, if you would like to receive our updates, click below.

Categories : Exterior Improvements, Pergolas, Renovations

Trying To Figure It All Out? Don’t Wait A Moment Longer

Posted by Faith and Hope on
 March 19, 2019
  · No Comments
Building with Hope and Faith

Trying To Figure It All Out? Don’t Wait A Moment Longer

How long have you been thinking about exactly how to “fix” your house?

  • Is it feeling cramped?
  • It doesn’t flow well but you don’t know how to fix it?
  • Is there wasted space – should you take out a wall – which wall???

Some of our clients have told us that they’ve waited months and years to “figure it all out before we called you”.

Listen – that’s why we’re here! It’s our job to figure it all out. We make it our business to understand how you live and how you want to live in your home and why your house doesn’t currently accommodate that.

How do we do it? Watch
Project Prep Episode #4

 

Make sure you subscribe to our YouTube Channel,Subscribe to Zimmerman Architect's YouTube Channel
so that you don’t miss one of our upcoming Project Prep Episodes!

 

If a friend forwarded this to you, this does not mean that we have added you to our list.
However, if you would like to receive our updates, click below.


Your surroundings can totally affect your life,
your spirit, your emotional well being!

 

Do you have transformational dreams for your house and
simply can’t “see it happening?”
Click below to get started.

I would love to talk!

Categories : Interior Renovations, Renovations, Residential Design, Videos
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